We are getting near the end of the big projects, this weekend installing Maxwell VW anchor windlass and that's the last biggie. So time to start looking into solar and wind.
I want to add a pair of 175 watt panels that weigh 35 lbs each so plus mounts and wiring probably 80 lbs total. Prefer to add them on the bimini but as always not so simple. Complicating things is the fact that the only top shop in our area closed recently so kind of on my own on this one.
This boat has a 1" dodger frame but the bimini frame is only 7/8" tubing, now why would you do that? It also has no support to the deck at the front hoop, it cantilevers off the back hoops. Consequently, the thing moves back and forth at the front like a hula dancer. I am going to add support braces to the deck on the front hoop which hopefully will stabilize it. Then add tubing across the top to mount the panels on, will try to get this tubing tied in right where the supports drop to the deck so the weight gets carried down by the support tubes and not through any horizontal tubing.
Other option is an arch, stainless is way too expensive but I can get a 2" aluminum one built for about $2500. Not my preferred solution because I find arches ugly, sorry if you have one that's just my opinion. But they also solve a host of problems so I may ultimately have to trade form for function.
We pretty much live on the hook and running motors to charge our bank is not an option I will consider for primary source of energy, so this is a really important issue for us at the moment.
Just wondering what other people's experiences have been with mounting solar panels and how you've done it. And if you have any experience with tube frames does it sound like this 7/8" frame will carry the weight if I brace it up more?
Hey Bud:
I have a set up that has 3 80 watt panels above our bimini and it is on 1 inch tubing. I had it built so I was able to take and tilt the panels some to gain more amps through out the day. I have not had any issues so far with this set up over the last 3 years that I have had it. One thing you may want to watch is how close you get it to your bimini as it may create mold if the sun can not get to it, as one couple in our marina had that happen with the set up i had but they had it so close to the fabric. What I will do is take some pictures and send you a few this weekend.
Randy
Randy Sherwood
Mutualfun 1990 # 1057
T/R W/K M35a
Home. Charlotte, Mi.
Boat. St Augustine,Fl.
Thanks Randy. Was thinking about some method of tilting them to get better angles so will be good to see your setup.
Hello Bud,
I too have been thinking of adding some solar panels for my batteries as well. I installed a very small solar panel that is wired directly as a trickle charge on a battery that is used exclusinely for a backup bilge pump and the cockpit radio. The most logical place to mount a solar panel or two is above the bimini of course as Randy has.
When I completed a project on my boat about a year ago I stopped by a marine consignment shop and purchased all of the SS connectors that were slightly used. Then I ofered the 1" SS from Defender. By doing that I figured I saved more than 50%. Now your quesion (and mine) remains 1" vs 7/8". I nodded my head in agreement when I read that but have seen other boats in our marina who have used 7/8" for their bimini. I would think that the investment of using 1" would be worth it. I am now wondering if I should used 7/8" or 1" on the frame to hold the solar panel(s) myself. Good luck with the project. I'm looking forward to seeing how Randy mounted his.
Glenn Druhot
Carpe Diem
New Bern, NC
35* 6' 10" N / 77* 2' 30" W
2001 C36, Hull #1965
Std Rig; Wing Keel; M35B
Glenn here is a picture of what I have mounted, I hope it helps.
Randy
Randy Sherwood
Mutualfun 1990 # 1057
T/R W/K M35a
Home. Charlotte, Mi.
Boat. St Augustine,Fl.
Randy,
I'll bet that with the right wind conditions, and just the right tilt to the solar panels, you could lift the aft end of the boat out of the water, and REALLY make some knots!!! :-)
Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT
Ah, it is nice to get a push now and then. lol. All in all, I have been in some high winds and they have been ok, They do not tilt to easy as that was a concern when I had the bar made.
Actually when I had it made I told the canvas guy that did the tube for me to have it 12 inches above the bimini so I could cut it down myself, I never thought about tilting them actually. So it was a mistake kind of but one that paid off as it does help a lot to get the extra amps.
Randy
Randy Sherwood
Mutualfun 1990 # 1057
T/R W/K M35a
Home. Charlotte, Mi.
Boat. St Augustine,Fl.
Randy:
Most helpful, I was in the process of figuring out what to do for my boat and the picture was useful. Also, I noticed your MOB pole against the split backstay, thats another item I will be adding in the next few weeks before I take off for a trip to Ensenada at the end of July.
John Meyer
Hilbre 2135, San Pedro CA
John Meyer
Hilbre
C36 MKll, Hull 2135
Cabrillo Marina, San Pedro, CA
Randy:
for the base of your MOB Pole did you use a clip with a pull pin attached to the split backstay or the unit that clamps to the rail for the pole to sit in?
John Meyer
Holbre 2135
John Meyer
Hilbre
C36 MKll, Hull 2135
Cabrillo Marina, San Pedro, CA
Yes John our MOB has a quick release pin and clip that is attached to the back stay. Just pull the pin and out it comes, the flag end is in a tube that Forespar makes as well as the clip and pin.
Randy Sherwood
Mutualfun 1990 # 1057
T/R W/K M35a
Home. Charlotte, Mi.
Boat. St Augustine,Fl.
Randy:
Thanks, just what I needed to know.
John
Hilbre 2135
John Meyer
Hilbre
C36 MKll, Hull 2135
Cabrillo Marina, San Pedro, CA